Although a power strip helps us to save energy and to connect multiple appliances/ devices into one receptacle, a power strip cannot support high-capacity appliances.

An appliance doesn’t need to be big to require large amounts of power.

What are the appliances that cannot be plugged into a power strip.

1. Rice cookers
2. Blenders
3. Slow cookers
4. Refrigerators
5. Washing machines
6. dryers
7. Air conditioners
8. Microwave ovens
9. Toasters
10. Coffee makers
11. Don’t “daisy chain” or plug another Power strip to a power strip.

For your safety, while It might take a lot of work to do some rearranging of things, it is better to unplug what is hogging/plugged into the wall and to plug the above items into the wall outlet than to plug them into a power strip.

The post Things you should never connect to a power strip. appeared first on Powertime.

Although it can simply be a faulty wiring cable, electrical fires are more frequent than you may think.

We can never be 100% safe, so what are the best quick ways to put out an electrical fire?

How to put out an electrical fire?

1. Use an extinguisher.

Electrical fires are classified in the class c group of fire, so using a Class C extinguisher which is mainly to put out electrical equipment, appliance, and wiring cables will help to put out the fire once it started.

But please note that any ABC fire extinguisher can do the work.

2. Turn off the electricity or unplug where it’s possible.

The 1st thing to do when you notice an electrical fire in any type of house (residential, commercial, or industrial) is to unplug or power off the electricity where it’s possible.

By unplugging or disconnecting from the source of the electricity you are not only stopping the source of the fire but also reducing the risk of electrocution.

3. Use a fire blanket to stop small fires.

Fire blankets are accessible and cheap, they are suitable for fires that cannot be extinguished with water such as electrical fires.

4. Use baking soda.

Is there something that baking soda cannot fix?

Banking soda contains an element also find on extinguishers called sodium bicarbonate. Which can help to put out or stop a small fire.

For example, when an appliance such as a sandwich toaster catches on fire, you can turn it off/ put it off by simply smothering the flames with banking soda.

5. Call emergency support.

If you are unable to access or control the fire, don’t hesitate to contact the emergency support of your region.

It’s advisable to even when the fire is under control to contact either an electrician or emergency support to identify what was the cause and to prevent it to happen again.

The post How to quickly put out an electrical fire? appeared first on Powertime.

Besides considering installing solar power, a Power generator is also a solution.

A power generator is simply a device or machine capable of producing electricity.

There are 7 types of generators you can use for your home.

The main use and know generator is the standby generator also known as the “Whole house” which is a type of generator that can be connected to your entire house or business electrical system and they are a stationary fixture.

Some of them have the feature to switch on automatically when they sense a power outage and will continue to run until the power comes back on (You can switch it off manually or it will be automatically once the power is back).

The other types of generators are gasoline generators, diesel generators, solar generators, natural gas generators, inventor generators, and portable generators.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a power generator?

1. Advantages

• It plays the role of backup power for your home.
• Provide electricity in case of a power outage or any natural disaster or other emergencies.
• A generator can work without any form of wiring installation, you simply need to turn off the mains, start the generator, and plug it into any socket.
• Power generators can either be run either on natural gas or petrol
• A power generator can run for a long time.

2. Disadvantages

• A power generator can sometimes require frequent maintenance depending on how you use it.
• Power generators can be super noisy.
• They harm the ecosystem due to the highly emitting toxic gases that affect the health of humans, animals, and even plants.

The post Should I Consider Purchasing A Power Generator? appeared first on Powertime.

It usually interrupts by the electricity supplier of the country.

Many causes can lead to a power outage such as weather conditions or natural disasters, equipment failure, human error, Wildlife interference/even animal interference, High energy demand, planned power outages, and cyberattacks.

How to get ready for a power outage?

During a power outage, the main concern and preoccupation is the safety of everyone in the house.

1. Purchase flashlights that work with batteries and make sure they are fully charged and allocated in strategic places in your house.
2. Have candles and matches available and ready to use – Make sure they are in a safe area far from flammable objects.
3. Have a first aid kit available in an accessible location of your household.
4. Turn off all the electrical appliances or equipment of your household.
5. Leave one light on, it will allow you to know when the electricity is back.
6. Purchase a food thermometer as it will help you to indicate the temperatures of your refrigerator/ freezer to determine if the food is safe.
7. Do a stock of non-perishable food and water.
8. Purchase a power bank to be able to charge your phone during a power outage.

What can be impacted during a power outage

1. No network – You might experience an unstable network or no network at all.
2. No light
3. An unexpected interruption can affect the electrical equipment/ appliance of your household.
4. ATMs – Make sure to always have some cash around you
5. Grocery store – It’s advisable to always keep a stock of food available at home.

In conclusion, A power outage is not a joke, it’s something that needs to be taken with a lot of consideration, to the homeowner it can mean more than just being deprived of electricity for a certain period. It can lead to the ruin of perishable food or also having burst pipes, which can lead to water damage.

The post What is a Power Outage? appeared first on Powertime.

Major causes of electrical fire

Usually, the main electrical equipment that is at the origin of the fire are cables, sockets, electric wires, or again faulty outlets.

1. Old machinery

All machinery or appliance are usually characterized by old frayed cords or faulty wiring. This can cause an electrical fire as it increases the chance of not being up to the material quality standards and safety regulations.

2. Irregular maintenance

We are never safe when it comes to electricity.

Always make sure to regularly do maintenance of the wiring system around your house.

For example, Check the different appliances and wiring systems in your house, if you see any expose wire, contact an electrician for a safe replacement.

Always make sure to stay updated with the safety codes.

3. Old wiring cables

Old wiring cables or outdated wiring were adapted for equipment/appliances with a low requirement of power capacity.

With the progress of technology, more quantity of electricity is required in certain appliances, sometimes old wiring cables don’t support the quantity needed for specific equipment, which can in the long run damage and then creates an electrical fire.

Warning signs of electrical fires

Amongst all the electrical fire warning signs that exist, the most frequent are:

1. Burning smell

2. Flashing lights

3. Electrical shocks when touching or using an appliance or equipment

4. Charred outlets and switches

5. Frayed, damaged, and exposed wires and cables.

The main purpose of electrical warning signs is for inspections. If you find any signs that might alert a possible danger with your wiring system, do not attempt to fix the issue yourself, contact an electrical professional.

In conclusion,

It’s advisable to frequently do an electrical inspection of your house to ensure that your house complies with the standard regulations and safety codes of your region.

The post All about electrical fire appeared first on Powertime.

Although certain products can be purchased without any expertise, other products such as electrical products need more precautions and knowledge of the market.

Safety tips before buying electrical equipment or material

1. Know the origin of the product

Before purchasing a product an electrical product online, it’s always advised to know where it’s coming from or where it has been manufactured.

An e-commerce website with a co.za address doesn’t automatically mean that the product is manufactured in South Africa or/also that the seller is based in the same country.

2. Analyze the webpage

“Sounds too good to be too true”

Always search for red flags on the website, Elements that might trick the authenticity of the product you would like to purchase.

For example, if the webpage or website keeps on mentioning how real and authentic the product is this must alert your attention.

3. Compare prices of similar products

The price of the product can directly tell you if the product is legit or not.

A cheaper product or a product with many promotions and discounts code isn’t always a good product.

Always compare the product of one webpage or website to a similar product provided by competitors.

4. Ask for advice

Before searching/buying an electrical product online, always ask for advice from an expert in the industry. Always make sure to have the proper details of the product before processing the purchase.

5. Be loyal to your brand

It’s always advisable to purchase online products with a popular branded name or just a brand with which you are familiar.

6. Search for review

Reviews from the experience of previous buyers can help you to decide on the purchase.

But remember, an online review can be gamed, A company can pay to receive positive feedback.

If it’s too good to be true, don’t buy!

7. Online technical support

Electrical material always requires some assistance.

When buying electrical equipment online, you should also make sure that the website has online support willing to assist when needed.

8. Check the return policy and warranty

Make sure that the company has a return policy available on its website before purchasing any electrical products.

We are never 100% safe when purchasing an electrical product, so ensure that the e-commerce company provides a warranty period for the electrical products they are offering.

In conclusion,

Buying a cheap electrical cable, socket or plug online can be a money saver but can also become a dangerous product for your household and be more costly than your money.

The post Tips when buying electrical equipment online appeared first on Powertime.

If not taken with precautions, it can take your life.

The basic guidelines listed below will help you while working with electricity in your household or workplace.

1. Make sure that your body is dry

Well, we all know water is a powerful but unstable conductor of electricity.

Creating a connection between them or just mixing them can lead to an electric shock.

When planning to work with electricity or just be in contact with it for example when you want to charge your phone by connecting your charger to a socket, you must make sure that your entire body is dry and specifically your hands.

2.  Make sure to use proper equipment.

Always make sure to only use insulated equipment when planning to work or being in contact with electricity. For example, make sure to always use insulated rubber gloves when you want to hold any conductor of electricity such as cables. Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.

3. Make sure the main switchboard of electricity is turned off.

Remember nobody can predict what can happen, this applies also to electricity. When working with electricity by for example fixing an appliance, a mistake can happen and a discharge of electricity can affect you. So before working with electricity in your household, make sure to first turn off the main switchboard or just the interrupter.

For example, when you want to change an ampoule electric, make sure to simply switch off the interrupter or to be more careful the main switchboard.

4. Never use damaged equipment.

Always check your equipment quality and also the different cables and electric elements that conduct the electricity in your household. Make sure to avoid broken equipment, frayed cords, or event broken plugs.

5. Never make use of steel or aluminum ladders.

When you want to work with electricity, you always have to make sure to remove any element that can cause you to get electrocuted. Steel and aluminum are really good conductors of electricity, and due to that, you can simply get electrocuted and die. So instead of making use of steel or aluminum ladders make use of wooden or fiberglass ladders for complete safety.

In conclusion,

We are enough safe; a safe household or work environment is not always enough to predict a potential electrical hazard. So, every time you are working with electricity always be cautious and practice every step safely. Constant safety must be considered and mustn’t be compromised in any situation at your workplace or in your household.

The post How to stay safe when working with electricity appeared first on Powertime.

South Africans have again been cautioned to become acclimated to control power outages for essentially the following 5 years.

The force utility executed stage two burden shedding as it battles to recuperate from various breakdowns.

Energy expert Ted Blom blames Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter: Eighteen months ago, he said he would have all the plants refurbished and that load shedding would end. Earlier this year, he has come out to say he is not going to spend that money on refurbishing the plants and it would be a better investment to put into renewable. Blom accepts the accentuation on renewable was misguided: “It is far and away more terrible because, with renewable, they are discussing battery stockpiling. there is no utility size battery stockpiling plants accessible any place on the planet. No nation is running battery stockpiling as reinforcement.”

As load shedding was implemented the last few days, Eskom could conduct some repairs to generating units and the maintenance programme proceed. Despite the fact that they were not able to replenish emergency generation reserves, but could reply on support system.

There are still risks to some generating units, which will pressurize Eskom to implement load shedding at short notice. Electricity still needs to be used sparingly to prevent possibility of load shedding. we also have to note that water pumps are also connected to electricity that supply water to the community meaning water can also be affected by load shedding.

The post Load shedding will likely last for 5 years appeared first on Powertime.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I AM GOING TO BE HIT BY LOAD SHEDDING?

The answer is very simple, know your power provider and check the correct load shedding schedules.

• City of Cape Town? Click here 
• Johannesburg? check here
• City of Tshwane? Click here
• City of Ekurhuleni? Check here
• Straight from Eskom? click here to check your load shedding schedule

For more information please check Energy expert Coalition by clicking here

Wondering how you can prepare for load shedding? 

Here are 7 simple ways to prepare for load shedding:

• Check your load shedding schedule regularly so you have enough time to prepare.
• Avoid power surges nuisance tripping: if you know that your area will be affected by Load shedding, switch off appliances, geysers, pool pumps, air conditioners, lights and other electrical equipment to reduce the risk of damage caused when the power comes back on.
• Use a solar geyser and also solar lamps when lights are out.
• Make sure your computer, laptop or phone is fully charged so you can still use them
• Draw some cash as the ATM will be offline
• Keep your bottles in the freezer so they are ice cold when load shedding starts.
• Prepare meals in advance as it is possible to wake up to no electricity and will be stuck to make breakfast or might not make it home in time to cook supper.

WHAT DOES THE DIFFERENT LOAD SHEDDING STAGES MEAN?

Stage 1: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 1000MW.

Stage 1 is the least disruptive of the schedules. Your area is likely to be hit Three times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Three times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time

Stage 2:  To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 2000MW

Stage 2 double the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 1 meaning your area is likely to be hit Six times over a four-day period for 2 hours at the time or Six times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 3: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at most 4000MW

Stage 3 increased by 50% of the amount of the load shedding planned in stage 2 meaning your area is likely to be hit Nine times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Nine times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

Stage 4: To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at least 4000MW

Stage 4 double the frequency of stage 2, meaning your area is likely to be hit Twelve times over a four-day period for 2 hours at a time or Twelve times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.

The post Tips to prepare for load shedding appeared first on Powertime.

How?

Simply add or save our whatsApp number 0443822484 to your smart phone and refresh your WhatsApp contact list, and you should be able to now send us a message directly to that number!

You can now send us a message or you can send us screen shots of the issue you are experiencing on Android, iOs, Windows mobile and Web as displayed by the images below. So go ahead and test it out! 

Our other support channels include:

Email: support@powertime.co.za

Office line: (021) 911 5611

Messenger: m.me/PowertimeZA

And of course, our live chat feature on our website!

The post WhatsApp now Support: Get in touch with us! appeared first on Powertime.